Posted by John on October 06, 2003 at 18:16:09:
In Reply to: BBb conversion to CC posted by Biggs on October 05, 2003 at 19:48:49:
I switched from BBb to CC my freshman year in high school because the only tubas in the band were Yamaha's with the three upright valves (don't know the exact model). These horns didn't play well and were too tall for me to sit on a chair. I bought a Mirafone 186 4 valve for $1000. I started playing the CC and haven't played a BBb tuba in concert setting since. It took me about 2 months before I stopped having to think about the fingerings. So maybe a player is ready to switch when the horns currently available are holding them back. I also disagree that a "special" fifth valve will help with anything except to make a young student more confused.